Beware of counterfeit items on sites like Amazon, Walmart, Sears government warns

By:
KIRO7.com

Updated: Feb 27, 2018 - 8:20 PM

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Beware of counterfeit items on sites like Amazon, Walmart, Sears government warns

WASHINGTON - Federal investigators are warning consumers that products purchased from third-party sellers on five major online retail sites could be counterfeit and the fakes could be harmful to your health.

According to the report, of 13 Urban Decay cosmetics purchased across the five sites, all were found to be counterfeit, as were six of nine Yeti Mugs. Out of 10 UL-certified phone chargers that are commonly used for iPhones, one was a fake, but all 15 pairs of Nike Air Jordan shoes were the real thing.

The report says an examination of 400 counterfeit iPhone adapters found that some "posed a risk of lethal electrocution.” Counterfeit travel mugs may have higher concentrations of lead than recommended and counterfeit cosmetics contain such substances as cyanide, arsenic, mercury, lead, urine and rat droppings.

Spokespeople for Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Newegg and Sears Marketplace told CBS News they have stringent procedures and that counterfeit products and sellers found to be peddling fake items are removed from their marketplaces.

The two main federal agencies in charge of stopping counterfeit products from entering the country are U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.